Mitel to Allworx VoIP

Upgrading to a VoIP Telephone system

Team Members

Tagged MSPs

Categories

We had an aging Mitel telephone system that was adequate but finding parts was becoming an issue, we were not happy with our current carrier, and we wanted improved features.

I gathered all the key information of our existing telephone system, analog lines, telephone extension lists, network diagramming, location of 5-port hub and switches, and a clear list of what features we wanted.

We are a church and Pre-K-8 grade private school so we applied for E-rate Form 470 to qualify for CTF funding and followed up with Form 471. After the 28 day evaluation process, we chose Windstream, installing an Allworx VoIP system. We chose them because they qualified for the CTF funding and we liked the Allworx system.

My previous experience working for Deloitte & Touche came in handy in managing the project. Windstream partnered with Silent Partner Communications who did most of the hardware implementation and configuring. They were great to work with and I had great confidence in their ability throughout the project.

Three main obstacles during the project were:

1. The new switches are configured with a vLan and we had previously just used DHCP. As a result, we had the Multicasting conflicting with our wifi subnet. It took a bit to identify the symptoms with the solution but then it was an easy matter of moving the wifi into the vlan. Keeping a calendar of network changes is key!

2. We had the need for several analog lines. The system support analogs, like security systems, alarms, etc already had dedicated AT&T analog lines. We just ported them over, mainly for ease of billing and management. We had two fax machines that the Mitel system could change the port to have an analog ring - the VoIP could not accommodate this. As a result, we purchased one new analog line and the other one we use an on-line service, MetroFax. The third area of need was key areas where mobility was necessary - the Cafe & Bookstore, Family Care, and Media Center. Allworx had a limited number of slots that we could use for these.

3. Take lots of time for the site visit. We were on copper and they thought fiber with AT&T would not be an issue. It was, but after a few hurtles, we now have new fiber running directly from the street and I now know what a weatherhead is. (Great opportunity to get up on the roof and enjoy the view.)

Staff love their new telephones, the paging is much clearer (necessary in a school environment), the call history is great, we can now offer conference bridges (large conference calls), and this system lets us tie the paging to our upgraded PA System.

I have much more visibility and management ability with the new system, with a safety net of support for a year. I also love the Allworx REACH product that let's my iPad be my office extension even when I am out and about.

Technology Used

I wish I could rate them higher, but my experience was painful. It has been over a one year implementation and there were several times when they could have made it so much easier with true project management. The best part of this experience was that they partnered with Silent Partner Communication and they have be amazing.

Love this telephone system. The staff love their telephones and I am thrilled that I have access to all the administrative functions and can now offer the Conference Bridge function. So far, solid and reliable. It is everything that was promised.